Oxygen Free-jumping Derby Launch Event

After being invited to the launch event of the new Oxygen Free-jumping venue at Pride Park, I knew I just had to try it out!

ABOVE: Part of the Soccerdome and DW Fitness club on Pride Park.

The event ran from 6pm to 9pm and it had such a buzz about it.

I was allowed to bring whoever I liked so I asked my mum, sister, auntie and cousin to tag along with me.

The evening began by filling in waver forms for health and safety reasons for users of the park.

Then we were allowed to enter the park and try out all the activities on offer.

ABOVE: First impressions of the park – WOW!

After receiving a wristband and some funky socks to wear, you have to sit in a few minutes of briefing to know the health and safety warnings and then you’re off to do as you please.

ABOVE: Just a few of the requirements if you’re jumping.

I managed to speak to Oxygen CEO, David Stalker, about the new opening in Derby.

He said: “This particular site came out of a discussion with Power League who were looking to do something with their space and we wanted to do something with the north to north west of the country and Derby was one of the identified towns.

“I think it’s going to be hugely successful not just in the north west but in Derby itself. I think there is a physiological link between jumping and smiling.

“I think it’ll work if we work hard at listening to the people of Derby to see what they want to do in this venue.”

The park has cost around £1.4 million to set up according to David.

ABOVE: A busy launch night on the trampolines.

I also spoke to Sébastien Foucan, aged 42, a free-running legend who has starred in James Bond film, Casino Royale.

He considers free-running as a passion rather than a job.

He said: “Free-running is in my DNA now, I started when I was young and I’m still young now; for us, especially kids, it’s in our nature.”

“Free-running is becoming more recognised now and it’s just amazing, knowing like when I started with my friend, it was just for fun and now it’s such a big thing, it’s great.

ABOVE: Foucan’s funded free-running school towards the back of the building.

“This park is fantastic because it’s going to help the community and I would say activity is vitality so it’s very important in today’s world.

” I wish when I was younger I had a park like this where you can bounce and jump on everything and just have fun.”

After speaking with David and Sebastian, it was time for the ribbon cutting.

The ceremony began with a speech by David Stalker himself and an introduction to the mayor of Derby, Linda Winter.

I managed to catch the mayor and Foucan cutting the rope below:

As well as a good few hours of jumping and having fun, guests could enjoy a large spread of food and there was also a free bar for the evening including tea, coffee, a variety of soft drinks and wine, beer and prosecco!

ABOVE: Food, food and more food and me, enjoying a glass of Prosecco.

The night included a performance by a local dance troupe and a competition on the airbag which was won by a young man named Joseph.

But slowly the fun-filled night had to come to an end, after over two hours of jumping, my sister and cousin were tired out.

The Oxygen park was spectacular with hundreds of trampolines, a dodgeball court, an airbag and soon to be assault course.

ABOVE: Every trampoline is taken by lots of excited children.

The Oxygen Free-jumping park is now open on Derwent Parade and entry costs around £11 for an hour’s session. To find out more, click here!